UA vs AA living in DC
 

Hi folks,
Got my CJOs from both and on the verge of deciding now which would give me the better quality of life.
Just turned 52, no kids, just me and my wife.
Retirement numbers seem to favor American in the long term, but UA has many more wide-body planes coming online soon.
United has much younger pilot community, so not sure how my advanced age would fit into that group. At AA I would still feel on the young side I guess.
I really want to optimize my time at work and maximize my days off.
I don't mind which aircraft I am going to fly, but long term the bus is easier on the body, just more comfortable work environment.
Not really keen on jumping on the WB fleet any time soon, been doing that for the last couple of years and want to be in bed at night, not the bunk.
I want to stay in DC, not planning to move anywhere before I retire.
What do you think?

American is not really good at optimizing your time OFF, they are great at optimizing your time ON. Have no clue how UA but getting a full line and 18 days off is not a thing here.

You’re worried about your age and cultural fit?? Youre gonna have to sling gear for someone much younger than you wherever you go. AA, for now, is super old. DCA is a small base, but not going anywhere. As long as you don’t commute, you can make a lot of money doing the IMAX game AND have a semblance of QOL

I'd say go to AA if you're on the fence and not keen on the WBs. If you really wanted to fly WB I'd recommend UAL but if not I'd come to AA. Not based in DCA so I can't give you the down low on that base per say but it's not going anywhere and like you said senority for now nods towards AA. Either way if you live in base you'll have a great QOL at either carrier. Not a bad problem to have !

In DCA, getting a line with 16 days off, 80+ hours credit, and partial commutability (DCA loves AM starts) is easily a thing.

“Dc” is iad for united and dca for AA if that helps

we have plenty of IAD trips at AA for the DCA folk
BWI too

its probably 50/25/25 on the 73

And more like 90/5/5 on the bus.

17 off is pretty regularly achievable as well.

Thanks guys!
Sounds like a great gig.
Hope to get either PHL or DCA at indoc.
See you on the line!